YOUR HEALTH, YOUR CHOICE-SAVING MONEY ON IMAGING TESTS

YOUR HEALTH, YOUR CHOICE Saving Money on Imaging Tests CONCORD IMAGING At a Glance A free-standing, full-service diagnostic imaging center All-digital center uses the latest technology for the most accurate results Services include: V MRI V Ultrasound V X-rays V Bone densitometry scans V Biopsies V And more CT scans Digital 3D mammography Pet/CT Nuclear medicine SELECTING an Imaging Facility Consider changes in healthcare In order to limit increases in insurance premiums, patient deductibles are increasing at an alarming rate. Typical deductibles are now $1,000-$5,00o or more. If your deductible is $1,000 or even $5,000, you pay that before your insurance kicks in and pays anything. Most patients never reach those deductible amounts in a given year, so the patient pays all of his or her own costs of exams and treatments, and the insurance company doesn't pay anything. Compare hospital-affiliated and free-standing centers Some believe it doesn't matter where they go for imaging services. ali Prices can vary greatly depending on where the test is done-so why pay more? The patient is paying for this. Typically, imaging centers in hospitals or affiliated with hospitals charge much more than free-standing facilities not associated with a hospital. Oftentimes, having testing done at a hospital- affiliated center will cost 2 or 3 times more than at an independent imaging center. v This is even with the same insurance! v It is related to the difference in contracted rates between the facility and insurance company. v Costs and quality in healthcare are poorly correlated. See reference below. Ask about doctor's orders Your doctor or doctor's office staff might refer you to someplace besides Concord Imaging. This can be due to familiarity and professional relationships, personal investment, perks, or professional affiliation. Ask if you can have the test done at Concord-most doctors will agree. Even if your doctor wants to send you somewhere else, you can have the exam performed where you want. You are paying for it and it is your body. Call around and compare prices. It's your exam and your money, so you should decide where to go. Check for quality All imaging centers are not the same. They vary in the quality of the equipment, exams performed, and interpretations. There are variations in the skills of the radiologists, the physicians who interpret the exams. Look for accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Evaluate how you are treated by the staff. Are they Are you kept comfortable courteous and caring? during your visit? Provided by: concord imaging www.concordimagingtx.com Sources: http://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/2014/02/pfor1-1402.html http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP51264.html http://www.concordimagingtx.com/about-us.aspx http://www.concordimagingtx.com/our-services.aspx